Which group is primarily responsible for conducting JEPES evaluations?

The primary responsibility for conducting JEPES evaluations lies with immediate supervisors and commanders. This is because they have the most direct knowledge and insight into the performance, capabilities, and potential of the junior enlisted personnel they oversee. They are positioned to make informed assessments, as they observe the service members' daily activities, interactions, and contributions to the unit. This close observation enables them to provide accurate evaluations that reflect an individual's performance.

In contrast, options involving independent boards, peers without supervisory roles, or outside contractors do not have the same level of interaction and insight necessary to conduct comprehensive and fair evaluations. An independent evaluation board may lack direct knowledge of personnel performance, peers without supervisory roles may not have the authority or complete context needed for a thorough evaluation, and outside contractors typically do not possess familiarity with military culture or the specific duties of service members, limiting their effectiveness in the evaluation process. Hence, the role of immediate supervisors and commanders is essential for ensuring that evaluations are both accurate and actionable.